French & Indian War/Colonial/American Revolutionary War Period Trade-Type Belt Axe Tomahawk, circa 1750s (SOLD)

This is another great piece being offered, it is an original Revolutionary War Belt Axe. It is hand-forge and measures 4 1/2″ x 14″, unmarked, iron “Trade-type” curved blade with its original cutting edge and a round handle. As expected for its age, a few tiny worm holes in the wood.

Retains a mostly smooth iron blade but having the typical flaws of early metal. These axes were a necessity, especially in thick wooded areas. With the artillery, there had to be an open area to get caissons and cannons through and a clearing for firing. In the Fort Ticonderoga Museum collection, there are a couple examples of these blades recovered at the fort (see pictures).

During the Revolutionary War, the Continental Congress required all military men to carry either a tomahawk or a cutting axe. Used throughout the French and Indian Wars and American Revolution, known as a “narrow waisted” axe, they were used by British and Colonial soldiers, as well as Indians. A weapon of choice among the Iroquois tribes. In “Rev War Talk / American Revolutionary War History”, there is an example of this axe (see pictures).

Being blacksmith-made, and from different countries, there were many variations of these axes. A very nice example of an authentic Colonial/Revolutionary War Period Belt-Axe Tomahawk, ca. 1750s.